On race day this year, westerly winds howled up to 30-35 mph, churning up frothy waves on the Columbia River Gorge. Perfect conditions for the 2018 Gorge Downwind Championships, a 13 mile paddle race, attracting over 750 racers, including top notch elite athletes from around the world. A ride, it was, flying eastward along fast moving wind waves from Home Valley to Hood River. As I surfed my outrigger canoe, I scanned ahead for the next set of waves to drop into for the next ride while I kept my…
Gorge Downwind Championships: Highest Female Race Participation on the Globe
